12 Tastemakers Reveal Their IKEA Picks
We've all waited long enough... get ready to score these finds once the Swedish furnishing retail giant hits our shores
If there’s one positive thing we are all looking forward to happening this year, it’s the opening of the biggest IKEA franchise in the world—and it’s built right in our shores! Since news circulated about the Swedish retail giant's arrival in the Philippines last year, everyone has been looking forward to shopping in rows upon rows of equal parts appealing and practical stuff for the home. Whether you are a solo urban dweller or living in a country house with your family, there will be something for every nook and cranny of your space.
And of course, some space in your tummy for their iconic meatballs!
We still have to wait for a few more months before both their online and physical stores will be opened for consumers. It was previously reported that the store will welcome shoppers by the third quarter of 2021—however, due to the pandemic, it has, yet again, been pushed back to the fourth quarter. Located at the SM Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay City, the 65,000 sq.m.-building will house five floors solely dedicated to the brand. The first two floors will cater to actual retail, while the rest will serve as a warehouse and call center for IKEA’s e-commerce.
What’s more, the shopping experience in the virtual shop versus the actual store won’t have much difference, as almost all the 9,500 home items to be sold in the IKEA SM MOA will be made available online, too!
As we wait with anticipation for a few more months, Metro.Style tapped some of the most discerning local tastemakers, and asked them which items from the global brand they are looking forward to getting the most. In the gallery below, find their responses and take notes—you might want the same thing as them, so bookmark it early for your reference later!
The Tastemaker's IKEA
The Tastemaker's IKEA
Anton Barretto
“I love IKEA, every time I get a chance to go I always find something to bring home with me. What I’m excited most to get my hands on when they open in Manila are the items designed for organizing. No matter how simple the design is, they are sure to answer your storage needs. I love the materials they use and the way they are made. IKEA has mastered the art of practical and straightforward living, no fuss, no frills, and always on point with form and function.”
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Anton Barretto
Pai Edles and Misty Floro, MORFOSIS
Pai Edles shares, “The Milsbo Glass Door Cabinet will be nice for my miniature collection display. I like the detail of the legs, too.” For Misty Floro, it's Ikea's wide variety of home gardening implements such as plant pots and stands. But right now I really need a good-looking watering can like the Bittergurka or the Salladskal. It's so hard to find a nice watering can—I'm sure a lot of plantitos and plantitas out there can relate! These two would blend in perfectly at the Morfohaus. I am also excited to check out IKEA's collaboration with world-renowned industrial designer Tom Dixon for products related to urban gardening. The Ikea x Tom Dixon products will be launched globally in 2021.”
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Pai Edles and Misty Floro
William Ti, Principal Architect, WTA Architecture and Design Studio
“I’m particularly looking forward to the Besta and Pax storage systems. These systems have so many possible combinations and the load capacity will be quite reliable. We finally get to have readily available and sturdy shelving systems and I’m excited to get some for my toy displays.”
Photo Credit: Courtesy of William Ti
Ram Lopez-Vito Bucoy
“My favorite piece in IKEA is the Billy bookcase in black and brown. It's the perfect piece to display your collection of decorative pieces like pottery and corals. To personalize the piece, I'd switch the hardware to something more antique looking in bronze.”
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Ram Lopez-Vito Bucoy
Vianca Anonuevo-Favila, Principal, Empire Designs
“The Trones shoe cabinet is the most versatile storage solution I have seen. So excited to have it finally here in Manila because when I see a good find, I usually recommend it to my clients. It is by far my favorite purchase in IKEA Hongkong years back. I have always been a neat freak and searching for quality pieces that could organize my home would be the first thing I purchase when entering IKEA. Having this in the foyer is a quick and easy way to add a shoe cabinet (a must in this new normal!) without eating so much space since it’s slim and wall-hung. You can put this in your kid’s rooms to store toys or even in your utility to store your cleaning materials. Lastly, it is easy to clean and best of all the design is so sleek it could work with any style. Designer approved!"
Photo Credit: Portrait by Jar Concengco
Karissa Yee
“I’m looking forward to being able to choose from their light selection. Not only are they decorative but they also add warmth and mood to any space.”
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Karissa Yee
Cal Tavera, Space Stylist
“I’m looking forward to their items for children. When I first visited IKEA in China, it was the kids’ vignettes I was attracted to. Since IKEA is affordable yet fun and charming, I was given several choices without being too concerned that the kids will outgrow them after a few years. I also love the scandinavian light wood choices because it makes compact spaces more spacious looking.”
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Cal Tavera
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Marissa Lopa
“With the amount of time we spend in our homes during this pandemic, we want our havens to not only be beautiful but safe, relaxing, and efficient." IKEA has multiple finds that fulfill these.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Marissa Lopa
Barbie Pardo-Tiangco
“I love their black and white striped rug from before.”
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Barbie Pardo-Tiangco
Anna M. Rosete, Living Editor, Metro.Style
“I hope they carry the Zandra Rhodes ‘Jewellery for the Home’ range. I am a fan of the British designer, and it's always a thrill for me to see what fashion designers come up with for the home. It's especially exciting to find this collab through an accessible channel such as IKEA. True to Zandra Rhodes' fashion aesthetic, her IKEA line is vivacious, fun and quirky. No home will be a bore with her pillows, rugs and candlesticks!”
Photo Credit: Milo Sogueco
Mark Steven Perez, Principal, Empire Designs
"Since I love organizing, I'm excited to get IKEA's OMAR Shelf Selections! I love this because it's easy to customize, add units and accessories when you need more flexibility in your shelf storage spaces. I'm excited to better organize my utility room with this Omar shelf selections!"
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Mark Steven Perez
UPDATE as of June 8, 2021:
Yesterday, IKEA Philippines announced the arrival of the first shipment of goods to the Philippines! On their Facebook page, they wrote a post saying that they cannot wait to unbox the goods that arrived in their Pasay City site.
Like many Filipinos, we are looking forward to this, too!
The Ikea Family Club
Don't forget to register today, July 7, 2021 to be part of the Ikea Family Club. IKEA is looking forward to blessing 100,000 Filipinos with this membership that will allow one to receive rewards and discounts among other surprises. You can register here today and get a chance to win a 50,000-peso makeover package from IKEA.
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